Addis ababa: President Cyril Ramaphosa has warned that worsening conflicts, unconstitutional changes of government, and humanitarian crises threaten to reverse Africa's democratic and developmental gains. The President delivered remarks on the report of the African Union's Peace and Security Council at the 39th Ordinary Session of the African Union (AU) Assembly of Heads of States and Government held in Addis Ababa on Saturday. According to South African Government News Agency, President Ramaphosa expressed South Africa's appreciation for the report on the state of peace and security on the continent while voicing concerns about the increasing conditions of conflict, war, and instability. He reaffirmed South Africa's commitment to the vision of a peaceful, prosperous, and integrated Africa as articulated in agenda 2063. The President highlighted the suspension of several countries from the AU due to unconstitutional changes of government, which he noted as a reversal of Africa's democratic gains and developm ent. President Ramaphosa stressed the importance of a demonstrable and comprehensive political engagement to assist suspended countries in navigating their transitions successfully and rapidly to prevent them from sliding back into conflict. His comments came amid member suspensions by the AU following coups in several countries in parts of West and Central Africa since 2020. Turning to the Horn of Africa, President Ramaphosa expressed concern about safety in the region, where ongoing conflict between a paramilitary group and the army has resulted in significant casualties and displacement. He reiterated a call for all warring parties in Sudan to cease hostilities, allow humanitarian access, and engage in an inclusive national political dialogue for a sustainable resolution. Regarding South Sudan, the President called for a ceasefire and urged stakeholders to participate in an inclusive dialogue to facilitate free and credible elections, ending the prolonged transition. South Africa, along with other C5 Me mbers and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, is hosting a C5 Plus Summit in Addis Ababa to support South Sudan peace efforts. The President emphasized the need for realism in assessing the conditions necessary for conducting free and credible elections. In addressing the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), President Ramaphosa raised concerns over the security and humanitarian situation, which remain unresolved despite various mediation and peace processes. He underscored the importance of upholding the unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of the DRC, condemning unlawful actions by groups capturing territories. South Africa, in its role as the Regional Oversight Mechanism for the DRC and the Region, aims to work with signatory countries to find a lasting solution to the ongoing conflict.